The “people” of SYRIZA will decide today Sunday (24/11) on the successor of Stefanos Kasselakis after 2.5 months of “anarchy”. Members and friends of the “three” are now, after the increase in the party’s support, voting for the second president in 14 months.
The election centers throughout the territory, a total of 465, are open from 8:00 (and until 19:00, unless the KEFE decides to extend) and the process is already “in progress”.
The four candidates and the number who attended the ballot box
Apostolos Gletsos, Pavlos Polakis, Sokratis Famellos and Nikolas Farandouris – for themselves each – claim the same anointing. Their paths are not exactly common, their employers very different. As well as their views on many identity issues and not only.
Knowing the ”what” and the “how”, the party is asked to choose the person who gathers the necessary characteristics to lead the proposed reorganization and the necessary resumption. The situation in this case is more concrete than ever: the political ”survival” of SYRIZA and the risk of its decisive decline in every corner of Freedom Square.
Koumoundourou bet a lot on the broad participation of “left” citizens. He wants to prove in practice that he can withstand vibrations, endure suffering and overcome any obstacle. The three splits from November to November divided the party, recently the institutional role of the official opposition was also lost.
“Those who go. I was SYRIZA and I will remain SYRIZA”
The 150,000 voters included in similar open procedures in 2022 and 2023 is an unacceptable dream. If the turnout reaches half (70,000 – 75,000), everyone will celebrate how they resisted the pressure. They certainly wouldn’t want to see less than 55,000.
“Those who go. I was SYRIZA and I will still be SYRIZA” said stoically to his executive colleagues the “old” guard from the region with a parliamentary presence. He focused more on the quality than the quantity of the electorate. There are also people now regarding the return to the presidential election at the conference.
But one does not exactly represent the multitude. The mobilization came a lot in the last two weeks, especially after the OM and NE were emptied of people who supported the former president and finally died, while he continued to Tarb. And he was present at the founding declaration of the Democracy Movement.
If the attempt at reorganization from SYRIZA headquarters to the fringes has finally been made, the numbers will prove it. The “gastric ballot box” (by Charilaos Florakis) takes time, but it gives results no matter what.
Polakis and Famellos in charge
In the case of SYRIZA, analyses, estimates, forecasts and opinion polls concretized the electoral duel. During the events, P. Polakis and Sokr. The two main contenders for the presidency are famous. This image was also confirmed in the debate, when one person was fighting to “deconstruct” the other.
Nick. Farandouris, with the cascade that characterizes him and his European profile, wants to be among them and surprise with his performance. The Ap. Gletsos, who lost points from the TV, is on the other side of the stranger.
Everyone’s strength is found elsewhere. The explosive Chaniotis was always more radical and pioneering in his proposals. For others, of course, unearthly and ethereal. In other words, he draws many of the “anti-systemic” wing of the party – the largest of the memorial periods. The mild-mannered Thessalonians launch a “more functional policy” aimed at the broader center-left which includes and does not exclude. One’s “vision” clearly contradicts the other.
Both have supporters in the party bodies. Most of the block 87 identify more with Sokratis Famellos. As well as the other MPs (Akrita, Gerovasilis, Giannoulis, Veta, Karameros, Xanthopoulos, Kalamatianos, Kedikoglou) with whom he worked as president of KO. Pavlos Polakis has a foundation in KE and with him influential executives. In Crete and Athens his power.
What will be in place in the second round?
As long as they confirm the equalizing action they need in the first two posts tonight, the difference will determine the developments from there. Along with the total percentages of the other two.
A distance of less than five percentage points automatically creates a strong background for the week ahead. In other words, where will they then get the votes they need to stay ahead or overturn the status quo.
Although there are significant differences between them and they are not equal in many points, it is certain that Sokratis Famellos will come to the “tank” of Nikolas Faradouris. Accordingly, Pavlos Polakis will look to get what he is looking for for those who first chose Apostolos Gletsos. However, he is not sure that they will be alone enough for him.
The big case
Public support for the “excluded” does not garner enough potential to not further polarize the already tense climate. More generally, it is a parameter that is assumed to have an overall effect on the result.
According to people familiar with the Koumoundourou proceedings, the case of a ”cancellation” of the second round should not be ruled out if the difference between the two qualifiers is deemed irreversible a week later. To verify this, then it will definitely be a double-digit lead of one over the other and a simultaneous “Retreat”. It is a tactic that is being spread and can be considered necessary so that SYRIZA comes out for the benefit of the electoral battle and is not injured.
Needless to say, with 50%+1, SYRIZA will have a new president from November 24th. The first results will start flowing after 20:00.
What each “loss” will do after that is a different matter which will depend on the direction SYRIZA takes from the first weeks of 2025. That’s when the elections for the new Central Committee will be held.
Who has the right to vote?
The numbers and demographics of people who go to the polls are always important.
As defined by the KEFE, everyone aged 15 and over who is a member of SYRIZA or registers as a member has the right to vote even on election day. Registration takes place on the spot at the polling stations.
Those who are already members and those who register on voting day can vote in any polling station throughout Greece, even if they are outside their constituency.
Voters should carry an identity card or passport or driver’s license or health card. Citizens of other countries, such as EU or third countries or immigrants and those under the age of 17, must show a legal document showing their identity, as well as their AMKA.
Where will the candidates vote and where will Alexis Tsipras vote
Sokratis Famellos will vote at 10:30 in the SYRIZA offices in Thermi, Thessaloniki.
At the same time, Nikolas Farandouris will exercise his right in the Old Pallini Town Hall.
Pavlos Polakis will vote in OM Moschatou at 11.30am
Alexis Tsipras will be at 12:00 at the 26th Primary School of Athens, in Kypseli, to choose the next president and send his message in all directions.
How do the ideological divides within SYRIZA impact the party’s voter turnout?
Interview: Time.news Editor & Political Expert on the SYRIZA Leadership Elections
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good evening, and thank you for joining us. Today marks a pivotal moment for SYRIZA as members vote on a new leader after a tumultuous 2.5 months. Can you share your thoughts on the current state of the party?
Political Expert (PE): Thank you for having me. SYRIZA finds itself at a crossroads. This election comes after significant internal strife, leading to concerns over the party’s future. The leadership transition today is crucial not just for the party’s organization, but for its political identity amidst rising challenges.
TNE: Indeed, the backdrop is quite dramatic, with four prominent candidates vying for leadership. Can you walk us through their characteristics and the factions they represent?
PE: Absolutely. The candidates include Apostolos Gletsos, Pavlos Polakis, Sokratis Famellos, and Nikolas Farandouris. Each brings a unique vision to the party. Polakis, known for his more radical approach, often appeals to the anti-systemic base. Famellos, on the other hand, seeks a more centrist path that could attract broader support, indicating a strategy of coalition-building.
TNE: It seems like there are ideological divides within the party. How might these candidates’ platforms affect voter turnout today?
PE: Voter turnout is critical. The leadership election’s legitimacy hinges on broad participation. While the party hopes to attract around 70,000 voters, the rhetoric you mentioned from the “old guard” suggests a focus on the quality of votes over quantity. Ultimately, the candidates’ alignment with the members’ sentiments will be crucial in rallying support.
TNE: The reported “anarchy” within SYRIZA raises questions about unity. How do you assess the possible implications of a low voter turnout?
PE: A low turnout could spell disaster. It not only undermines the elected leader’s mandate but also raises further questions about SYRIZA’s cohesion. Moreover, if this election yields a leader unable to reconcile the varying factions, we’re likely to see continued fragmentation, potentially hampering their efforts to regain their official opposition status.
TNE: Turning to the candidates, there’s a notable tension between Polakis and Famellos following their recent debate. How do you see their rivalry shaping the election process?
PE: It’s quite telling of the ongoing ideological battle within SYRIZA. Their rivalry epitomizes the larger struggle for the party’s soul—whether to remain a hard-left alternative or pivot towards the center to appeal to a broader base. Depending on the outcome, one of them might attract votes from one another’s supporters in a runoff, but it’s uncertain how that would play out.
TNE: What strategies are the candidates likely considering for the second round, should it occur?
PE: If no candidate secures a decisive lead, negotiations and alliances will be vital. Famellos could seek support from Farandouris’s more European-centered agenda, while Polakis might look to appeal to Gletsos’s followers. The next week will be crucial for consolidating their bases and strategizing on how to capture those crucial votes needed for a win.
TNE: Looking ahead, what does today’s election mean for SYRIZA’s future in the political landscape of Greece?
PE: Today’s outcome will define SYRIZA’s immediate future. The party has to rebuild trust and legitimacy among its constituents. If they can effectively reorganize and present a united front, there may still be hope for them. Otherwise, they risk becoming politically marginalized in the coming years.
TNE: Thank you for your insights. It will be fascinating to see how this election unfolds and what it means for the broader political dynamics in Greece.
PE: Thank you for having me. The implications of today will certainly resonate in the coming weeks and months.